A 4-task skills examination for residents for the assessment of technical ability in hand trauma surgery

The aim of this study was to evaluate a 4-task skills examination model for surgical trainees as a method of assessment of the different technical skills essential in hand trauma surgery.

Using established validation methodology, construct validity was assessed by comparing the performance of 2 groups of residents in surgery (group A: residents with any formation in microsurgery and hand surgery and group B: residents with specific formation in hand or microsurgery or both).

Overall, 19 residents in surgery with different degree of formation in hand and microsurgery participated in the study. All the residents performed 4 tasks on synthetic models consecutively: task 1-Z-plasty, task 2-metacarpal fracture fixation, task 3-tendon repair, and task 4-end-to-end anastomosis. The running order was awarded in a random drawing and 4 independent observers scored each resident.

There was a significant difference in performance in the overall score between groups A and B and particularly for tasks 1 and 4. All participants felt the 4 tasks were good models to learn the procedure and recommended this approach to younger residents.

This approach was based on a 4-tasks examination is the first model of evaluation of the different technical skills required for hand trauma surgery for residents. The results show a good differentiation between residents that have microsurgical and hand formation and those who do not have. This easy model can be easily integrated in the curriculum of residents, who want to specialize in hand surgery.